If Kathmandu is hit by a 9.0 Richter earthquake:

? Between 100,000 to 200,000 will be killed in the Valley and its outskirts mainly because of unsafe construction practices.
? More than half the bridges along the highways will be destroyed and damage to the runway will make it impossible to bring in relief.
? The hospitals that remain standing will be overwhelmed.
? Electricity will be out, overhead transformers at roadsides will fall off the poles because they are neither bolted nor strapped.
? Electric sparks and bursting gas cylinders could set off huge fires that could spread across the city if it is a breezy winter afternoon.
? Land lines and mobiles will stop working because of damage to base stations.
? Drinking water supply, such as it is, will stop completely.
? Since there is no government disaster preparedness plan people and communities will be left to fend for themselves.
? After the intial rescue, disposing of rotting bodies and preventing the spread of disease will be a major challenge.